The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas

by John Boyne

Paperback, 2006

Status

Available

Call number

823.92

Publication

David Fickling Books (2006), 224 pages

Description

Bored and lonely after his family moves from Berlin to a place called "Out-With" in 1942, Bruno, the son of a Nazi officer, befriends a boy in striped pajamas who lives behind a wire fence.

Media reviews

USA Today
"Powerful and unsettling.......As memorable an introduction to the subject as The Diary of Anne Frank."
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The Wall Street Journal
"Deeply affecting......Beautiful and sparely written"
Lecturalia
Aunque el uso habitual de un texto como éste es describir las características de la obra, por una vez nos tomaremos la libertad de hacer una excepción a la norma establecida. No sólo porque el libro que tienes en tus manos es muy difícil de definir, sino porque estamos convencidos de que
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explicar su contenido estropearía la experiencia de la lectura. Creemos que es importante empezar esta novela sin saber de qué trata. No obstante, si decides embarcarte en la aventura, debes saber que acompañarás a Bruno, un niño de nueve años, cuando se muda con su familia a una casa junto a una cerca. Cercas como ésa existen en muchos sitios del mundo, sólo deseamos que no te encuentres nunca con una. Por último, cabe aclarar que este libro no es sólo para adultos; también lo pueden leer, y sería recomendable que lo hicieran, niños a partir de los trece años de edad.
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Escolhi ler este livro porque consegue abordar a época Nazi de uma forma simples, não deixando, no entanto, de ser cruel e realista. Foca a inocência de duas crianças, que apesar de pertencerem a culturas diferentes, conseguem viver uma amizade inocente num mundo ignorante. Recomendo-o pois ele
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consegue transmitir que somos todos seres humanos e que devemos ser respeitados independentemente dos nossos ideias, costumes e cultura, porque se não o fizermos podemos magoar quem realmente amamos.
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BookBrowse
Starred Review. "While only hinting at violence, blind hatred, and deplorable conditions, Boyne has included pointed examples of bullying and fearfulness. His combination of strong characterization and simple, honest narrative make this powerful and memorable tale a unique addition to Holocaust
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literature for those who already have some knowledge of Hitlers Final Solution." Ages 12+.
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User reviews

LibraryThing member elliepotten
Bruno is a little boy in the tradition of little boys: hates his big sister, looks up to his dad, loves exploring and reading adventure stories, all combed hair and shorts. Bruno's father, unlike others in the tradition of little boys, is a Commandant under Hitler. When Bruno and his family are
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taken away from their lovely home in Berlin to a grim new house, his life is turned upside down. There is no one to talk to and no one to play with, there are unpleasant soldiers hanging around the house at all hours of the day, and right outside Bruno's bedroom window is a huge wire fence, stretching as far as the eye can see. On the other side hundreds of men and boys live in huts, being told what to do by the soldiers, all wearing grey striped pyjamas and little cloth hats. Who are they, and why does no one like to talk about them? Exploring the fence boundaries one day, he comes across a little boy sitting on the other side of the fence, and he and Schmuel strike up a strange but devoted friendship that changes both their lives.

One thing I would say is that although this is marketed as a young adult novel, I certainly wouldn't place it in that category. It is written in a childish style, but the themes and the undercurrents are decidedly adult. Like 'The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time', much of the heartbreaking sadness of this novel comes from the fact that the reader has a much greater awareness than the main character of what is really happening around him. Bruno calls his home 'Out-With' and Hitler 'The Fury' because he can't pronounce them properly, and he assumes that the salute 'Heil Hitler' means 'Well, goodbye for now, have a pleasant afternoon.' His struggle to understand what the reader already knows is devastating to read, and the inevitable tragedy of the novel is even worse than I had expected. (Not really a spoiler - it was hardly going to be a happy sending, set in Auschwitz, after all...). I was sat in bed at 1.30am sobbing and had to get up to compose myself before I could sleep! I wouldn't recommend it to a child under, say, 14 or 15.

There was a long section of the novel at the beginning where Bruno is a tad irritating in his complete naivety, and Schmuel doesn't actually appear for a long time, but ultimately I thought it was a brilliant book. There may have been inaccuracies, there may be things that just wouldn't have happened, but it was still a brutal reminder of the capacity for human cruelty and the horror of one of the worst atrocities in our history. Bruno's sister's change in attitude from uncomprehending to profoundly anti-Semitic also clearly demonstrated the way children's natural innocence can be so easily corrupted by the views of the adults around them.

Highly recommended...
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LibraryThing member Whisper1
When he and his family move from their large, comfortable home in Berlin to "Out With," nine year old Bruno grieves the loss of his friends and security. Seeking an adventure, Bruno leaves the confines of his new environment and discovers a world very different from his.

While living in Berlin, the
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"Fury" visits his father and there we learn young Bruno's impressions of the small, rude and nasty "Furor" who promotes Bruno's father to the position of a Nazi Commandant responsible for keeping order, enforcing and following rules.

Set in WWII "Auschwitz" prison camp, the story is told through the voice of naive and innocent Bruno who develops a forbidden friendship with Shmuel who lives on the other side of the fence.

Gradually through his observations and his conversations with Shmuel, Bruno's eyes and heart are opened to the tragic life and death of those who wear the striped pajamas.

Walking a mile in someone's shoes becomes a literal event with surprising consequences.

Highly recommended!
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LibraryThing member abbielayne
The Boy in the Striped Pajamas is a novel that is taken place in the ww2 era. It's about an 8 year old boy named Bruno, who is the son of a nazi commandent. Bruno and his family live in Berlin but have to move to poland for Bruno's fathers job. When they arrive Bruno looks out his window to see
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what he thinks is a farm, with people wearing striped pajamas. Bruno gets curious and goes to explore. Bruno sees a boy in the striped pajamas that seemed to be his age, his name is Shmuel. Bruno and Shmuel instantly become friends, the only problem is there is a fence between them. Shmuel cannot come over to where Bruno is and Bruno cannot go where Shmuel is. This is one of my favorite books, because it has so many lessons in it. I recomend this book to all ages, because you can learn things from this book no matter how old or young you are.
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LibraryThing member BrapMollie
The Boy in The Striped Pajamas is a novel that goes over Nazi soldiers, the halocaust, and what life is like on the other side of the fence. Eight year old Bruno is a curious young boy that likes to explore. One day he comes home from school to find out that his family and he are going to be moving
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from Berlin to Poland for his dads work. Brunos dad is a Nazi commandant that fallows his work duties before his family. When they move to Poland, Brino complains that he misses his home back in Berlin while mother says she does not like it there. Brunos sister Gretal on the other hand wants her father to accept her so she says she likes it there in Poland and changes her ways from dolls to the Nazi posters on the wall. While Gretal and Mother go off and pay no mind to Bruno, he goes on a little exploration adventure to see what the other side of the fence was like, there Bruno meets a Jewish boy named Shmuel.
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LibraryThing member kamilakristiana
The book The Boy In The Striped Pajamas,is a novel that takes place in the 1940's.It's about Bruno,a curious 8 year old German boy.Who's father is a German Commandant for the Nazis.For Father's job,Bruno and his Family move to Auschuwitz,Polland.When he arrives he discovers strange people wearing
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strpied pajamas Brun becomes curious and discovers a fence and on the other side of the fence theres a boy,Shmuel an 8 year old Jew.Bruno and Shmuel become friends,but Bruno must keep it a secret from his Family.The book is really good anf it's great for 7th grade and up!
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LibraryThing member pbingham3
The boy in the striped pajamas is a novel during the holocaust. Bruno a young boy whos father gets promoted to commandent of the Nazi Army, has to move from his home in berlin to Auschwitz. Bruno is very curious, always trying to find a new place to explore. While Bruno is exploring he meets a
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young boy named Schmuel, They become good friends, but there is one problem, Schmuel is a jew. Bruno and Schmuel continue to meet eachother at the fence which seperates them. I believed this was a very good book, i would reccomend it to all miidle school kids and older.
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LibraryThing member sooo12
The Boy in the Striped Pajamas is a novel about to young boys becoming friends. Bruno and his family have to leave Berlin and move to poland, because Bruno's father got a promotion to be commandant. Bruno has to live a whole different life when he moves. Bruno knows nothing about why they have to
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move but Gretel his 12 year old sister knows everything.Bruno has no friends in Poland so he goes on an explore where he meets a young boy in striped pajamas named Shmuel. Shmuel lives on the other side of the fence, so Bruno and Shmuel can not physically play with eachother. They have to talk with a wire fence between them. Bruno doesnt know why so he begins asking questions. Shmuel is a jew so Bruno has to keep their friendship a secret.Bruno and Shmuel become great friends. Bruno is very curious about what the other side might be like. I would recommend this book to teenagers and not kids under the age of 8.
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LibraryThing member siairra
The boy in the striped pajamas is a book wrote during the time that World War 2 was taking place. When dad gets a new job, the family is forced to move from Berlin to Poland. When they get to Poland the kids realize they have no friends and no one to play with. Bruno notices this fence, with tons
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of people and kids of all ages behind it and decides he need to explore. While out exploring he meets a young jewish boy, Shmuel, who lives on the other side of the fence. Dad is the head commandent at Auschwitz. I liked how Bruno doesn't care how long the walk is all the way down the fence to where him and Shmuel meet everyday, as long as he gets to talk and hang out with his bestfriend. Bruno doesn't really know what's going on, or way all the people have to wear stiped pajamas all day, everyday, or why they have to stay on that side of the fence, and why he can't go over there, and why they cant play together. Whenever he ask dad about these things dad just aviods the question and never gives him a direct answer. Bruno is really curiousand wants to know everything about everything. Gretel on the other hand pretty much knows whats going on and accepts it, so that she can feel accepted by dad. Mom doesn't like what's going on and want to move back to Berlin. I would recommend this book for all ages.
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LibraryThing member kammi15
The boy in the striped pajamas is a book about two young boys that have started a friendship. Bruno and Shmuel have got to know eachother by talking to eachother through the fence almost everyday. Bruno is the son of one of the nazie soldiers. Gretel, Brunos sister, is very proud of her dad, she
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just wants her him to accept her. When Gretel and Brunos father hires a tutor, he teaches them about the jews and why the Germans dont like them. Gretel loves learning about it and even does it on her own time. On the other hand, Bruno doesnt understand why the jews are so hated. He thinks that they are nice, only because of his bestfriend Shmuel. Bruno is very curious and wants to know whats going on. So when his mother and father dont tell him he wants to find out on his own. Bruno gets some information out of Shmuel but not enough to where he understand exactly whats going on. The Boy in the striped pajamas is a book that i would recommend to people that would understand and catch on.
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LibraryThing member blackmamba24
the boy in stripped pajamas starts off as a young boy and his family have to move to auswitz poland from belin. His dad got promited to comandant of the nazi force.as they arrive bruno gets bored and starts to explore. as he does he finds a mysterius fence along the way. sitting there is an 8 year
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jew shmuel.they become good freinds. but he has to keep him secrate from his family. i recomend this book to ages 13 and up!!!!!
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LibraryThing member zweven
This was just an ok book for me, but given that it was written for a younger audience, that may be expected. Fast read, sad story.
LibraryThing member mgomoo55
No matter where or when, everyone has read a book concerning the Holocaust sometime in their life. I, myself, have read books such as Night and Anne Frank: Diary of a Young Girl which depict the grueling life of Nazi-rule back then. Yet one similarity that stands out with books such as these is
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this: the story is through the eyes of the one being tortured. However, this summer I have read a Holocaust-influenced book that is different than the many others out there. A book that, despite being fictional rather than a true story, still left the same unforgettable impact of what took place during World War II. This book, which gave a new twist to the Jew-Nazi relationship, is John Boyne’s The Boy in the Striped Pajamas.
Taking place during World War II, we follow the life of nine-year-old Bruno, a normal German boy who enjoys going to school and playing around with his three best friends in the city of Berlin. However, Bruno’s life soon changes as he and his family moves to his new home, supposedly called “Out-With”, in Poland. There are no neighbors whatsoever, yet Bruno discovers that there are many groups of men in striped pajamas living in a fenced-off area right outside his bedroom window. Bruno immediately goes off to explore this strange place on his side of the fence, where he soon comes across the nine-year-old Jewish boy, known as Shmuel, living on the other side of the fence. The story goes on to tell of Bruno and Shmuel’s amazing friendship, which lasts until the time of their last adventure together…
What a story this is! I was immediately hooked into this novel right after I finished the summary on the back cover! This book has everything like a usual book pertaining to the Holocaust – concentration camps, Jews, Auschwitz, etc. – yet it is completely different at the same time. First off: the plot. This is what grabbed me; instead of viewing through the eyes of a Jewish boy or girl, we instead venture through the story on the “other side” of the fence – the German side. Yet the real twist is that our protagonist, Bruno, being at such a young age during this time, does not fully understand what is taking place around him. He has no idea that a great world war is taking place, and that the people beyond his back door are Jews being held captive and suffering under the ruling fist of his father, the Nazi German general. It is an interesting take to see such a child as Bruno, clean of such evil purges, act and think like a regular nine-year-old – always wanting to play, explore, and meet friends.
Another important detail of the story which I simply adored was how the story was written; the book’s POV was in “Third-person”, yet the narrator spoke as if it was a nine-year-old itself. Specifically, words such as “Out-With” (Auschwitz) and “Fury” (Führer) are only humorous titles that are used to imply the real meaning of the word. The point of these important terms is to simply give more of the child-like feel to the book – as if to help us feel and understand how the mind of a nine-year-old, such as Bruno, would work during this time. So to say, it’s a bit of dark humor thrown at us from the author to liven up the story a little bit; as the entire book is centered on a small child, we need to think like a child as well!
Lastly, what I adore about this book is what makes up the novel: Bruno and Shmuel’s relationship. Though it is purely fictional, the two’s relationship is an ironic take on what actually happened in history; there was no such possibility of talking and learning about one another between a Nazi and a Jew, but only German brutality and superiority over the defenseless victim. Perhaps what Boyne was trying to show the readers was what could happen if two kids, with traits like Bruno and Shmuel, actually came into contact in reality - if one, who was not influenced by evil thoughts, gave a helping hand to the other in need. Even Bruno’s crossing under the gate into the concentration camp was symbolic as he wanted to help Shmuel find his father, emphasizing how boundaries were no issue between the two; they only acted as who they were: kids. Though despite Bruno not having a fitting end to his tale, an ending which was not meant for the little boy, he did give happiness to his friend who had been suffering, despite unable to find his father. He was able to hold this boy’s hand and, for just a fleeting minute, believe that everything would be alright.
In conclusion, The Boy in the Striped Pajamas is a powerful book with a very deep meaning, especially given the circumstances during the time period where the novel takes place. John Boyne, with his clever writing style and tricks, allows you to fully envelope yourself in the mind of a nine-year-old, and experience the world of German rule through the eyes of Bruno. From beginning to end, the novel is an exciting take on the Holocaust, showing us the possibilities of one good at heart, such as Bruno, extending his love to someone on the “other side” of the fence. A relationship such as Bruno and Shmuel’s, no matter if it is real or fiction, is something that will stay with you forever.
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LibraryThing member michelle_bcf
I’m sure that this is a book that most people have now heard of, especially with the film now released. However, it’s probably approached with as least pre-information as possible. I prefer the synopsis that the book originally had..

"The story of “The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas” is very
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difficult to describe. Usually we give some clues about the book on the cover, but in this case we think that would spoil the reading of the book. We think it is important that you start to read without knowing what it is about. If you do start to read this book, you will go on a journey with a nine-year-old boy called Bruno. (Though this isn’t a book for nine-year-olds.) And sooner or later you will arrive with Bruno at a fence. We hope you never have to cross such a fence."

It is listed as a children’s book, but it’s not for younger children, and it’s certainly an adult book aswell. If you haven’t yet read it, don’t go searching the reviews, just pick up the book, and read it in the way it was intended.

The book is told in a simple manner, reflecting the innocence and naivety of Bruno. I believe it’s meant to be read in the same way as a parable or fable, it’s not meant to be a historically accurate text. To me, it was a simple, very effective piece of story telling, which brought me to a stand still, made me cry, and has stayed very much in my thoughts.
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LibraryThing member shelleyraec
1607230 I thought I knew the basic premise for this book going in but it was unexpected. I expected it to be more an account i think than a narrative. I thought it was very well written, the perspective of Bruno was held beautifully while still revealing other subtle subplots within the main story
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(such as the affair between his mother and Kort, and his sisters typical teen angst)The naive interaction between Bruno and Shmuel was just heart breaking, Bruno completely ignorant of Shmuel's situation and Shmuel desperately denying the reality of his life in "Out-Witch". While I doubt that Bruno's level of ignorance would be maintained in real life, (and this seems to be a huge factor of contention in reviews of the book) it was not that much of an exageration on what could have been possible, however given he was at school in berlin and who his father is it is unlikely he could have not known the Nazi tenents. Then again, my children have no idea that they are "supposed" to be concerned about any one religion or race or that others may hate them for the same reason, despite the mass media available to them. It is simply out of the realm of their personal experience and interest. Children are by nature egocentric after all.I chose to suspend belief over the issue however because the story itself is fiction after all and it gets it point across - it is indeed a fable with a clear message of how hatred is taught, not bred. It packs an emotional punch (you either love it or hate it i think for the most part - not much middle ground. Personally I was sad and disturbed when I finished it (in just over an hour), not so much over Bruno's fate but simply because you then think of everything that Auschwitz was. You need to know the background of Nazi Germany and the horrors for it to have the kind of impact the author intended.I think this book deserves recognition and to be read, suspend the inner critque temporarily and just consider.
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LibraryThing member kleighdondo
The book "The Boy in the Striped Pajamas" is a wonderful book. When Bruno found out that they were moving her was a little upset... But as the days went on and Bruno went exploring more he found a friend named Shmuel. Shmuel was a jew but Bruno did not care, he just wanted a friend. These boy's
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friendship grew stronger and stronger every single day. They were bestfriends for life.
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LibraryThing member meags222
This was a very touching story about the Holocaust told in the perspective of a German boy whose father was the commander in charge of Auschwitz. It is an easy read as it is youth fiction but I loved the way the author kept in the mindset of a nine year old boy. I highly recommend this novel to
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anyone. I give it 5 out of 5 stars.
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LibraryThing member kayelee.cook
Father, mother, Bruno, and Gretal moved to out-with because father got s job as a soldier there. Bruno and Gretal didnt know what was going on about the Jews. Bruno decides to go exploring wile Gretal decides to listin to the soldiers and get her information about why they were there. Wile Bruno
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goes exploring he meets a guy named Shmuel, and come to find out they have alot in common. They become really good friends and see eachother everyday around the same time, with Shmuel on one side and Bruno on the other side of the fence. Lots of things happen in there relationship that leads to a shocking ending. I liked this book because i loved how good there relatioonship was even though they both knew they were not supposed to be talking to eachother. I would recomend this book to anyone who is intersted in a good story about what happened on the british side of the Halocaust.
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LibraryThing member Librarygirl66
Berlin 1942 When Bruno returns home from school one day, he discovers that his belongings are being packed in crates. His father has received a promotion and the family must move from their home to a new house far far away, where there is no one to play with and nothing to do. A tall fence running
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alongside stretches as far as the eye can see and cuts him off from the strange people he can see in the distance. But Bruno longs to be an explorer and decides that there must be more to this desolate new place than meets the eye. While exploring his new environment, he meets another boy whose life and circumstances are very different to his own, and their meeting results in a friendship that has devastating consequences.
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LibraryThing member SkyRider
I'd had this book recommended to me by a number of friends, all of whom said the same thing - don't read anything about it beforehand as a large amount of the pleasure in reading it comes from discovering what's going on. Sadly, the cover on the edition I got gave the game away right from the start
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with the cover picture making it abundantly clear what the striped pyjamas were.

It's a story about lost innocence. We are shown one of history's horrific periods through the eyes of a child who doesn't understand what's going on around him and naively assumes (as children do) that everything he sees and experiences has a rosy explanation. Gradually he begins to understand what is surrounding him with devastating repercussions.

Boyne's brilliance in being able to present the point of view of the clueless, innocent Bruno is utterly convincing, drawing us into the story and making the contrast with the real world so much more shocking.
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LibraryThing member cvosshans
The main character Bruno is the kind of character that you sympathize with right from the start; he has to move without explanation, his belongings are taken away, his sister Gretel is annoying and he is basically taken prisoner (no pun intended) and forced to 'cope' with all the changes. Bruno is
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only 9 but this isn't a book for 9 year olds as it addresses the very serious issue of the Holocaust. This book would be a good complement to other curriculum novels such as: The Diary of Anne Frank, The Cage or The Wave. It isn't often that I am surprised at the end of a book but this one actually made me gasp at the very end. I recommend it to anyone interested in reading about the Holocaust.
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LibraryThing member queetko1
Sensitively writen story about nine year boy Bruno who builds a friendship with a boy who lives behind the wire fence...
Set in the second World War Bruno is a son of a Nazi leader who moves with his family on a site of a concentration camp in Poland. Curious Bruno soon meets a Jewish boy Schmuel
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but they can`t play together. With his naivity he doesn`t understand the serious situation and feels as a prisoner himself, in his own home. From the naive point of view of an innocent child this story makes this war tragedy very powerful. The book is aimed at older children`s readers but is fully enjoyable by adult readers as well.
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LibraryThing member ireed110
How terrible, a horrific story from the Holocaust made gentle by the naivety of a young boy. Crafty, dark, sweet, and haunting - we are reminded that there were -are- victims on both sides of the fence.
LibraryThing member thornton37814
What an incredible book from a different perspective! The 9-year-old narrator's father serves as Commandant of Auschwitz. The story begins when the family leaves its nice Berlin home to go live in a house not nearly so nice and with no playmates. From his bedroom window he sees people clothed in
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striped pajamas living on the other side of the fence in huts. He befriends a boy in striped pajamas who lives on the other side of the fence. The author perhaps overplays childhood ignorance/innocence in the story. I find it difficult to believe the boy did not know what was going on; however, I found the story fascinating because of the perspective. Most books would use a narrator inside the camp rather than outside, and using the voice from the outside created impact here. While I want to give it 5 stars, I cannot quite do that because of the believability factor. I listened to the audio book read by Michael Maloney. It was well done, and the musical interludes were beautiful.
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LibraryThing member JackieHancox
I liked this book because it held a unique perspective - that of a nine year old German boy. The book was simplistic, yet powerful and While it is fairly easy for the reader to put together the puzzle pieces, we have the advantage of knowing history and knowing what atrocities occured at
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Auschwitz.. The main character Bruno does not fully understand, until the very end. I was completely shocked and surprised by the ending, right up to the last page of reading. I would highly recommend this novel be used with gr 7, 8 or 9 students.
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LibraryThing member tlowrey
One day a boy named Bruno found out his family was moving. Bruno is not happy with this decision at first but then begins to warm up to the idea when he meets a boy named shmuel. They become best friends and begintalking every day, even though one is German (Bruno) and one is Jewish (Shmuel). The
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things i liked about the novel is the friendship and how both boy stay true to eachother. I also like the message saying family before work. I would recomend this to anybody teen or adault who is looking for a sad book. Over all this was a great book.
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Awards

Language

Original language

English

Original publication date

2006-01-05

Physical description

224 p.; 5.28 inches

ISBN

0385610319 / 9780385610315

Barcode

3158
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